ZOROASTRIANISM: ORIGINS AND HISTORY

Аннотация

This article provides information about the emergence and reasons for the development of Zoroastrianism, as well as its beliefs. One of the main aspects discussed is the deities in Zoroastrianism. Finally, the article presents comprehensive information about the important sources of Zoroastrianism, their structure, composition, and the circumstances under which they were written. Keywords:Zoroastrianism, Zoroaster, monotheistic, Ahura Mazda, Ahriman, Persia, Zarathustra, Zardust, Ozarxurra, Airyanem-Vaeja, Eran-vej, Zand, Avesta. One of the oldest national religions is Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrianism has a unique and long history, and its followers are numerous. One of the main differences from other religions is that it is one of the oldest religions and is based on monotheism, founded by Zoroaster. Zoroastrianism holds a significant place in human history. Its origins date back to the 6th to 5th centuries BCE and it primarily developed in the region of Iran, specifically ancient Persia. The founder of Zoroastrianism, known as Zoroaster (or Zarathustra), conveyed important ideas to humanity through his religious teachings. Zoroastrianism is fundamentally built on monotheistic beliefs, with a central theme of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, light and darkness. The core ideas and beliefs of Zoroastrianism have greatly influenced humanity's moral and spiritual development. This religious doctrine deeply explores issues such as the purpose of life, ethical values, and human social responsibility. In Zoroastrianism, the one God believed in is Ahura Mazda, symbolizinggoodness and light. In contrast, Ahriman represents evil and darkness. The struggle between these two forces constitutes the essence of Zoroastrianism and calls upon individuals to pursue goodness. Zoroastrianism is not limited to religious beliefs; it has also significantly impacted culture, art, philosophy, and social life. The teachings of Zoroastrianism have influenced the social structure and politics of ancient Persian civilization. Many traditional rituals and ceremonies of this religion continue to this day and maintain their place in modern life. Therefore, Zoroastrianism issignificant not only as a historical religion but also for itsmoral and spiritual ideas in the contemporary world. This article will provide detailed information about the history of Zoroastrianism, its core ideas, its development, and its place in modern life. A thorough analysis will be conducted on the ancient roots of this religion, its influence, and howit continues to evolve today [1]. Zoroastrianism: History and Foundations: Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions, emerging in the 7th-6th centuries BCE primarily in Central Asia, specifically in the Khorezm region. Its prophet, Zoroaster (Zarathustra), was a historical figure who reformed the Mazdakism religion and created a new monotheistic faith based on it. The era in which Zoroastrianism emerged was characterized by the early development of class society, specifically slavery, where tribal structures were disintegrating, leading to divisions among the population into slaves and masters, oppressors and the oppressed. This religion first established itself in Central Asia and subsequently spread to Iran and Azerbaijan. The Khorezm region, page188 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue04,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai known as the cradle of material and spiritual culture in Central Asia, was home to various Turkic peoples, including the Uzbek people. Zoroastrianism, as a religion dating back to the 7th-6th centuries BCE, arose from earlier tribal religions based on monotheistic beliefs. It continued to exist in various forms until the 7th-9th centuries CE, when it was eventually supplanted by Islam. Initially formed in the Khorezm region, Zoroastrianism spread to the Near and Middle East, with someremnants stillpreserved today. The teachings of Zoroastrianism represent a monotheistic doctrine in contrast to the ancient beliefs that existed in Central Asia, which involved the deification of natural forces (the "old religion" of the ancient inhabitants of Central Asia). Zoroastrianism condemned unnecessary bloodshed, military conflicts, and conquest wars, advocating for settled, peaceful living and encouraging agriculture and animal husbandry [2]. As mentioned earlier, Zoroaster is the founder ofthis faith, although his name appears in various forms in research, such as Zarathustra, Zardust, and Zoroaster. Scholars have differing opinions on whether Zoroaster was a historical figure or a mythical one. Some consider him a historical figure, while others regard him as a legendary character. According to sources, he is believed to have lived approximately between 1200-570 BCE. The English researcher M. Boys suggests he lived between 1500-1200 BCE. Zoroaster reformed ancient re